What is the limitation of the authority regarding stopping US documented vessels?

The selected answer highlights a critical aspect of maritime law enforcement authority. In maritime operations, enforcing laws against documented vessels typically hinges on the context of the vessel's actions and its operational status. The concept of "hovering" refers to the vessel being actively involved in a situation that necessitates intervention.

Stopping vessels without an established basis, such as evidence of illegal activity or an immediate threat, may infringe on rights and jurisdictional limits. Therefore, there is often a requirement that a vessel must be engaged in suspicious or illegal behavior, or be in some form of heightened activity, such as hovering, for authorities to possess the legitimate authority to intervene and take further action.

This framework ensures that enforcement actions are justified and comply with legal standards, thereby protecting the rights of vessel operators while also maintaining the safety and security of maritime navigation.